Java file path in Linux

Question

I have a rather silly question, but I haven't been able to find a solution for this:

When I try and read a file I get a "file not found error" is runtime. It compiled the file though.

I am on Linux, so I use the statement something like:

Scanner s = new Scanner(new File("home/me/java/ex.txt"));

and it gives me a runtime rror:

/home/me/javaException in thread "main" java.io.FileNotFoundException: home/me/java/ex.txt (No such file or directory)
at java.io.FileInputStream.open(Native Method)
at java.io.FileInputStream.<init>(FileInputStream.java:137)
at java.util.Scanner.<init>(Scanner.java:653)
at test.main(test.java:14)

I tried changing every possible thing along the lines of filenames, but nothing seems to work.

Any clues as to why this is happening? where does java look for files by default?

it says your file location was not found. i guess your path is "/home/me/java/ex.txt" in linux system. — Kashif Khan
– Kashif Khan, Commented Dec 25, 2011 at 2:39

Todd Gardner · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-25 02:38:45Z

23

Looks like you are missing a leading slash. Perhaps try:

Scanner s = new Scanner(new File("/home/me/java/ex.txt"));

(as to where it looks for files by default, it is where the JVM is run from for relative paths like the one you have in your question)

answered Dec 25, 2011 at 2:38

Todd Gardner

13.6k41 silver badges51 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

AJW Over a year ago

Thanks Todd. It was the leading slash.That solved the problem! Silly me!

BillRobertson42 · Accepted Answer · 2018-10-18 14:58:45Z

14

I think Todd is correct, but I think there's one other thing you should consider. You can reliably get the home directory from the JVM at runtime, and then you can create files objects relative to that location. It's not that much more trouble, and it's something you'll appreciate if you ever move to another computer or operating system.

File homedir = new File(System.getProperty("user.home"));
File fileToRead = new File(homedir, "java/ex.txt");

edited Oct 18, 2018 at 14:58

answered Dec 25, 2011 at 2:47

BillRobertson42

12.9k4 gold badges44 silver badges62 bronze badges

3 Comments

Andrew Thompson Over a year ago

If porting to any other operating system, I suggest swapping out the "/" in the path for either System.getProperty("file.separator") or alternately constructing the path in parts using that constructor. Otherwise, +1

AJW Over a year ago

Thanks bill for that great tip. I will implement this straightaway.

BillRobertson42 Over a year ago

If you're targeting unix, linux, OS X, or windows, the forward slash will work. Yes, even Windows.

Muhammed Ozdogan · Accepted Answer · 2018-09-15 16:00:37Z

3

The Official Documentation is clear about Path.

Linux Syntax: /home/joe/foo

Windows Syntax: C:\home\joe\foo

Note: joe is your username for these examples.

answered Sep 15, 2018 at 16:00

Muhammed Ozdogan

5,9678 gold badges39 silver badges58 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Java file path in Linux

3 Answers 3

1 Comment

3 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

1 Comment

3 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related